Current-collecting device



Aug. 31 1926. 1,597,887

- w. H. HIMES CURRENT COLLECTING DEVI CE Filed June 5, 1922' INVENTOR Waller H. H/mes I w ATTORNEY .WITNESSES:

Patented Aug. 31, 1926.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

HALTER H. RIMES, OF PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA, ASSIGNOR TO WESTINGHOUSE ELECTRIC & MANUFACTURING COMPANY, A CORPORATION OF PENNSYLVANIA.

CURRENT-COLLECTING DEVICE.

Application filed June 5,

My invention relates to current-collecting devices and it has particular relation to moulded collector rings.

In employing current-collecting devices of the collector-ring type, difficulty has been encountered by reason of arcing between adjacent rings. Although break-downs in devices of this character may be the result of various causes, the principal causes are the ionization of the air gaps and the collecting of carbon and copper dust in the recesses between the rings, which eventualy bridges the gaps and establishes a short circuit between the adjacent rings.

One of the objects of my invention is to provide a device, of the character set forth, formed with annular fins or shields disposed between adjacent collector rings which increase the creepage distance therebetween.

Another object of my invention is to provide a device of the character described, in which each of the shields is provided with a closed circuit metallic ring or conductor which extends around the periphery thereof and functions to not only cause an arc to bridge two air gaps, in the event that a short circuit should develop between adjacent rings, but strengthens and reinforces the entire structure.

Another object of the invention is to rovide a structure, of the class describec, in which the shield divides the recess between adjacent collector rings into two separate and distinct grooves or channels adapted to receive the deposits of carbon and copper dust and other foreign matter, and which maintains the deposits out of contact with each other.

A further object of the invention is to provide a collector ring, of the class designated, in which the arcing shields are formed integrally with the body portion of the device at the same time that the body portion is moulded on the collector rings, which not only effects a material saving in time and labor but resultsin a very strong and rugged structure.

The single figure of the accompanying drawing, is a View, partially in side elevation and partially in vertical longitudinal section, of a portion of a current-collecting device embodying my invention.

Referring to the drawing, a current-collecting device is shown as comprising a plurality of spaced collector rings 1 which are 1922. Serial No. 565,945.

mounted upon a substantially cylindrical body portion 2 of insulating material. The body portion 2 preferably comprises a phenolic condensation product which is introduced into a mould, of suitable configuration, and in which the various rings are supported in spaced relation with respect to each other, and subjected to heat and pressure. The mould may be any suitable structure but is provided with a plurality of annular spaced grooves into which the moulding material is adapted to flow to form a plurality of annular ribs or shields 3 between adjacent rings 1.

From an inspection of the drawing, it will be noted that the arc shields 3 divide each, of

the spaces between the rings 1 into two separate and distinct grooves or channe's 4;

which collect the carbon and copper dust, and prevent the same from bridgi the gaps between the rings and establishing short circuits therebetween.

The shields 3 are of greater diameter than the rings and, therefore, materially increase the creepage distance and the total air gap between the respective rings.

If it is desired, the outer periphery of the shields 3 may be provided with annular closed-circuit metallic members or conductors 5, the inner peripheries of which are of reduced cross-sectional area, as is indicated at 6. The relatively narrow portion 6 is imbedded in the body of the shied and maintains the member 3 in position.

By means of this latter construction, the member 5 not only strengthens the entire structure and prevents the shield 3 from becoming chipped or broken, but, in the event of a break down between adjacent rings, the resultant arc is compelled to bridge two distinct air gaps.

I claim as my invention:

A current-collecting device comprising a bod portion of molded insulating material, a p urality of collector rings mounted on, and anchored in, said body portion, an insulating shield extending from said body portion and disposed between said rings and a reinforcing conducting band mounted on the outer periphery of said shield and having a portion embedded therein.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name this 22nd day of May 1922. WALTER H. HIMES. 

